Pepper Design Blog

Part 1: A {Vintage Nesting} Baby Shower

Last week I had the honor of co-hosting a baby shower for a friend expecting a little boy! Friends and I have spent the past couple of months planning and dreaming up a vintage setting that would fit both mother and baby. (Adorable invites above created by co-host Lauren of L&Co just for the occasion.)

Since the shower was later in the evening, I took advantage of the daylight earlier in the day for a bit of ‘staging’ prior to the big event.

A friend of mine has the perfect backyard for such a rustic, vintage vibe. I adore her outdoor gazebo and used it as the central focus point:

Details include a handmade chandelier, paper flowers, no-sew table runners and napkins (all from fabric remnants), thrift store tea sets and lots and lots of candles!

Every little piece of this baby shower was handmade and I’ll feature tutorials in the coming weeks on how to replicate each of the projects.

Miniature birds nests and Nestle candied eggs became the perfect table setting focus. I found vintage glass bowls to hold centerpieces full of wildflowers (ranunculus, daisies, poms and red hypericum – or coffee beans) to tie in the rustic look.

The dark orange flowers pop against the teal paisley print of the table runners!

Since the shower was an evening festivity, we set up two dessert and coffee tables to serve as the gathering location for delicious treats and hot drinks (more on the crock pot coffee bar tomorrow!).

Friends helped me to stock the dessert buffet full of delicious goodies such as homemade biscotti, key lime bars, cajun brownies, muffins, madeleine cookies and mini ‘birds nest cupcakes’. More pictures to come.

We made round accordion rosettes out of big sheets of handmade paper and hung them at varied heights behind manzanita branches from our local San Diego area. I used this tutorial for diy white cake stands from thrift store finds (more details to come!) and cut apart an old book to help with vintage decor.

We had a wonderful evening full of honoring our mama-to-be, great conversation, a silly shower game and presents!

I’ve been so busy these past two weeks preparing for this shower and I’m so excited to share my hard work with all of you! I hope you enjoyed, and I can’t wait to share Part 2 tomorrow (including a cost breakdown to show how easy and affordable a diy shower can be). Happy Monday!

Favorite Trend: Chevrons

I can’t help but share a recent trend (that I know is all to familiar with everyone) that I’ve been loving, and when I found these easy DIY ideas, they had to be shared! There’s something so simple and classic about a zigzag (or chevron) design - it compliments nearly every style from shabby chic (in light greys and whites) to ultra-modern (in bold, complimentary colors).

I love how subtle the chevron design on top of this dresser is, it’s a sweet surprise on an unassuming piece of furniture. Sunset Magazine shares the detailed instructions here.

And how wonderful are these pillows stacked casually across this Twinkle Living couch? While you can purchase them here, you might try your hand at sewing or painting the zigzag pattern from directions here.

Oh and I love this wall. Stephanie over at Sabbe created an entire accent wall out of contact paper and a very accurate measuring system. Wow!

And finally, designer Nick Olsen gave new life to an old rug by painting it chevron style.

And that’s my zigzag wrap up – I hope you all enjoyed and happy Tuesday!

Before & After: Breeanna’s Dresser & Nightstand

When Breeanna, of Simply Elegance, sent over these amazing pictures of her recent dresser & nightstand project, I couldn’t wait to share them with you!

The first is an antique piece turned art room ready with a new shabby chic purple paint job, the addition of baskets where there used to be drawers (brilliant! this was accomplished by adding a thin sheet of plywood where the old drawers used to slide in), and by adding a few art supply organizers on top. For step-by-step directions in the form of pictures, jump out to the full post here.

Breeanna’s second project for the craft room was a nightstand makeover (she found this one for only $2!). Didn’t she do a great job?

For step-by-step directions, here is a link to the full post.

AND Simply Elegance is hosting a lovely Emersonmade. giveaway (if you’ve never heard of the store, I highly suggest a look-see – it’s lovely!), so be sure to check it out!